Architectural Precast Association Award Winners Announced

Architectural Precast Association Award Winners Announced

At its Annual Convention, the Architectural Precast Association announced the winners of the 2013 APA Awards for Design & Manufacturing Excellence Competition. The prestigious competition is held each year to recognize examples of outstanding design and production work utilizing architectural precast concrete. The APA Awards program was expanded in 2009 to include nine unique entry categories.

This ensures each entry, whether large or small, is judged solely on the design and manufacturing merits of the respective category. Under the new program, this year 15 projects shared top honors: American University School of International Service, Archstone Square 673, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., Buffalo Federal Courthouse, Cultural Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Dallas Country Club, Franklin Square Hospital, Garner Veterans Memorial, LA Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, Micron Business and Economics Building, National Gateway – Office Buildings I & II, National Public Radio Headquarters, Reagan Place, Texas State University Undergraduate Academic Center, USC Cinematic Arts Building 5.

Winning in the Building Green Category, American University School of International Service was designed by Quinn Evan Architect. The precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi Inc. The judges’ comments where: “Strong, simple detailing of concrete elements. Nice façade and color contrasts. Effective textured facades using three materials. Rests softly on site. Good horizontal expression of building elements.”

The second winner in the Building Green Category was Buffalo Federal Courthouse. The building was designed by Kohn Pederson Fox and the precast manufacturer was Modern Mosaic Ltd. The judges’ comments were: “Bold and asymmetrical form. Interesting use of curvilinear form with precast concrete. Nice textured contrast between glass and precast concrete with vertical fins. Glass “veil” is certainly effective and functional.”

Taking an award in the Commercial Category was Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. The project was designed by George Butler and Associates and the precast manufacturer was Omega Concrete Systems, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Creative combination of precast concrete finishes and color. Strong definition of horizontal lines. Use of functional piercing precast shear wall creates a strong entry icon and an opportunity for building signage. Minimalist interior spaces capture exterior light in an effective way. Creative use of interior precast wall panels using texture and horizontal lines.”

National Gateway – Office Buildings I & II also won in the Commercial Category and was designed by Davis, Carter, Scott Design. The precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Strong building base using precast concrete. Good asymmetrical balance using expressive definition of entry element to unite the two buildings’ masses. Rhythmic consistency. Effective color/material contrast with use of precast concrete and glass curtain wall.”

The next award in the Commercial Category went for the National Public Radio Headquarters and was designed by Hickok Cole Architects. The precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Impressive design. Creative juxtaposition and layering of masses. Simple, effective detailing and delivery of precast concrete into composition. Good marriage of precast concrete and glass curtain wall. Expressive and well-recognized point of entry.”

Reagan Place took the final award in the Commercial Category. Good Fulton & Ferrell Architects designed this project and Advanced Cast Stone Inc. was the precast manufacturer. The judges’ comments were: “Strong definition of base and entry element. Exquisite detailing of precast concrete. Excellent contrast of texture, materials and color. Defining site presence. Nice proportions.”

The first winner in the Educational/Spiritual Category was the Micron Business and Economics Building designed by Hummel Architects. The precast manufacturer was Northwest Precast. The judges’ comments were: “Good composition, balance and proportion. Effective and creative precast detailing. Interesting presentation with use of shadows and shading. Strong color contrast. Nice three-dimensional facade.”

Cultural Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia also won an award in the Educational Category and was designed by Davis, Carter, Scott Design. The precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Nice integration of colors and materials. Strong entry element using precast concrete surround. Simple detailing and layering of precast concrete facades. Interesting and innovative curvilinear precast. Innovative use of curvilinear, flying precast concrete façade. “Legorreta” like round elements at front entrance are very interesting and functional micro-element.”

The final award in the Educational Category went for the Texas State University Undergraduate Academic Center. The project was designed by Morris Architects and the precast manufacturer was Advanced Cast Stone, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Pleasing color combinations. Simple, effective detailing of precast concrete. Sited well on difficult topography. Highly compatible with natural surroundings and the campus build environment.”

Dallas Country Club won in the Hospitality/Entertainment Category and was designed by MAI Design Group and Image Design. The precast manufacturer was Advanced Cast Stone, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Nice color and texture combinations. Strong, elegant detailing of precast concrete. Exquisite detailing and presentation of interior fireplace with wood surround. Interior hallway detailing of stone/concrete elements is impressive.”

Also in the Hospitality/Entertainment Category was LA Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. The project was designed by Trahan Architects, APAC and the precast manufacturer was Advanced Cast Stone, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Another “wow” project. Excellent, imaginative application of precast to create “organic” interior space. Effective use of artificial and natural light. Exciting transition from exterior to interior. Exterior is equally impressive and exciting.”

Franklin Square Hospital took the sole award in the Medical/Government Category and was designed by Wilmot-Sanz. The precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Strong expression of two-dimensional horizontality. Bold, simple expression of arrival point to the building. Very effective use of contrasting materials to create lightness and capturing of light. Fits in well with campus architecture.”

Winning the award for the Residential Category, Archstone Square 673 was designed by Davis, Carter, Scott Design and the precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Imaginative use of precast concrete. Color combinations interesting and unusual. Texture and three-dimensionality of façade is highly effective. Would be an interesting place to live. Monumental site presence.”

The Garner Veterans Memorial won in the Trim/Landscape Category. The project was designed by Thomas Sayre and Fred Belledin, Clearscapes and the precast manufacturer was Lucas Concrete Products, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “This really “wowed” us. Layer of texture protects the smooth inner panels. Precast concrete panels designed to simulate the area’s indigenous red clay is highly imaginative. Reflection and awareness of past is greatly stimulated with this architecture.”

USC Cinematic Arts Building 5 also won in the Trim/Landscape Category and was designed by Urban Design Group. The precast manufacturer was Architectural Facades Unlimited, Inc. The judges’ comments were: “Quality and tastefulness of detailing coupled with the softness and color contrast of the landscape makes for a quality composition. Nice presentation of micro-detailing. Strong building base using keen detailing and color contrasts.”

An independent jury selected the winners from a field of entries. Chairman of the awards jury was Chuck Freeman. As Vice President of Callahan & Freeman Architects, Mr. Freeman has an extensive background in architectural services for all types of facilities. Project types include commercial, institutional, governmental, office, warehouse, educational, and religious facilities. Mr. Freeman has more than 38 years’ experience in architectural design, management and construction. He has completed projects ranging in size from small renovations to new construction exceeding 100 million dollars. His strengths lie in his client relations, project management, design development, planning and preparation of construction documents, construction administration and construction management. Mr. Freeman received his Bachelor of Architecture degree at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a registered Professional Architect in the state of Texas and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Mr. Freeman also holds active memberships in the American Institute of Architects and the Texas Society of Architects.

Also serving on the jury was Mark Vander Voort, AIA, LEED AP. Educated at Rice University, Mr. Vander Voort is a Principal and Practice Leader for HKS Architects Education Studio. He is responsible for quality assurance, resource allocation and client satisfaction. He spirits these outcomes through respectful team relationships and a process based on careful listening, creative design and responsive delivery of exceptional solutions. Over his 37-year career, Mr. Vander Voort has guided over 100 educational projects to successful completion. He is a resourceful problem-solver who remains personally involved in project planning and conceptual design. He is seasoned in all phases of work and supervises team efforts from inception through closeout. His collaborative style attains stakeholder consensus to achieve quality and value-added results. Mr. Vander Voort is well-rounded in all project issues and particularly knowledgeable in project cost management, schedule requirements and market conditions. He can provide quick and accurate information to compare strategic options. His industry leadership has led to numerous award recognitions, publications and seminar presentations.

The last jury member was Patrick Glenn, AIA, REFP, LEED AP. Mr. Glenn is the K12 Regional Practice Leader for Perkins+Will in Texas. With close to two decades of educational leadership, planning and architectural design experience spanning a wide range of educational clients across the state of Texas, Mr. Glenn is known for listening to specific client needs and providing a clear understanding and design direction of the critical issues facing school districts and educational facilities. He offers unique expertise to help foster creative, organized and long term design strategies to better enhance the student learning environment. Mr. Glenn has served as a repeat design jury member for the School of Architecture at Oklahoma State University and continues to mentor young professionals in the classroom and work place. Mr. Glenn is also an active CEFPI member for the Southern Region while also serving as a Board Member for the North Texas Chapter. He has authored and contributed to several articles, publications and conference presentations related to innovative and sustainable school planning designed to facilitate higher student performance and collaborative educational learning environments. He is also a Board Member for the Dallas Center for Architecture and is the co-creator and committee chairman for the DCFA’s Form Follows Fitness 5K.

Carl Hall and Jeff Harwell of Speed Fab-Crete Corp. were the Chairmen of the APA Awards Committee.

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